This discussion is about the counties of Virginia's Middle Peninsula. Talk about issues of local government, school boards, committees, commissions, even party committees.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

RE: [Peninsula-Patriots] RESULTS OF THE TP FEDERATION VETTING PROCESS

Jim,

I agree that the vetting process was a Middle Resolution – Virginia Tea Party Federation event and it is their prerogative as to what questions to ask and how to control the venue. With our experience with the Delphi technique, we should question the process and they agree with this premise.

Even though the vetting effort needs applauded, I personally felt the questions didn't address the greatest part of our Constitution…our individual rights as outlined in the "Bill of Rights". Chris skimmed property rights but didn't truly address individual rights. Whether at local, regional, state or federal, our elected representatives (and us) should understand, protect and celebrate the rights of the individual. How could they represent us if they do not understand these rights. If we do not start having these conversations soon…we may never have them. The rhetoric appears to be over the collective (human) rights over individual (Constitutional) rights.

Personally, I do not understand the Muslim faith or Sharia Law but I do understand parts conflict with our Constitution. The First Amendment (freedom to the free exercise of religion) practiced opposes Freedom to Worship. If your religious practice is suppressed by an atheist group (www.ffrf.org)...are you still able to practice the free exercise of religion? …or are they exercising their Collective (Human) Right of" Freedom to Worship? As outlined in the Communist Constitution and the foundation of the United Nation's Human Rights.

To some this may be splitting hairs or questions that do not "put conservatives in office" but to Christian's in the Middle East, this is life or death. Let's not let it get to that point here. There are groups who are working hard to instill collective, human rights over the rights of the individual.

I confess that I have not addressed the Individual Rights issue with the federation but intend too. Brian

Of the 32 questions asked, none (that I can remember) were on social issues. As is typical of the TEA Party, questions were all related to spending (economic questions) and the constitution (all of which Corey answered pretty well). As you know, the TEA Party has avoided getting into social issues.

Our TEA Party (Middlesex) submitted a question on Islam to the vetting committee, and I was told that there was at least one other similar question submitted. Both were left out.

Like you, I would have liked to hear some responses about Islam and Sharia as well as illegal immigration and abortion - issues that I feel deeply about. But, for better or worse, VTPPF avoids those social issues. The good news for me is that I have heard Corey speak (and I have talked with him personally) and I know that he is 100% pro life (he believes the "fetus" is a baby - fancy that!) and he is famous for cleaning up the illlegal alien problem in Prince William County. So in his case, I am willing to take the bad with the good. Progress happens in small steps.

This seems to be the nature of politics - rarely completely satisfying.

For those patriots who have been following the Virginia Tea Party Federation vetting weekend process of listening to and voting on the candidates for Lt. Governor and Attorney General - the results are:

Corey Stewart for Lt. Gov.Mark Obenshain for Atty General

The members of Tea Party groups all over the state convened at the Life Church in Mechanicsville, VA, for two straight days (Friday and Saturday) of this past weekend. It was a first time effort by the Federation who joined with The Middle Resolution for this event. They did an amazing job. It was a grueling process of listening to the same 32 questions presented to each candidate separately on stage, one at a time, and then answers scored as they responded. These questions were kept in strictest confidence and no candidate was informed of them in advance and not privy to or aware of any other candidates performance. I commend the Federation/Middle Resolution for the propriety with which this was handled. It was impressive that all candidates agreed to participate in this event. Those participating in the scoring from our group were Bob & Sue Sherrill, Elena Siddall, Dave Davis, Keith Ellenberger, Cheryl Hugo, DeWitt Edwards, David King, Don Mitchell, and myself. Thanks to all of you. I think you will agree, it was an enlightening event.

It is the intent of the Federation to be able to support one candidate for each position with the full backing of all the State Tea Parties combined going into the Republican Convention on May 18th. I will discuss this in more detail at our next "working meeting" on May 6th. Be prepared to participate in some way.